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Southwestern Corn Chowder

Easy Southwestern Corn Chowder

This Easy Southwestern Corn Chowder is a creamy, comforting soup with a kick. Bursting with sweet corn, hearty potatoes, and a blend of Southwestern spices, this chowder is the perfect way to spice up your mealtime. It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the diced potatoes, corn, chicken or vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a stand blender and then return it to the pot.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and heat through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
  • You can add cooked bacon or diced cooked chicken for a non-vegetarian protein boost.
  • The chowder can be made thicker by simmering it uncovered for a few additional minutes to reduce the liquid.
  • Author: Amelia Wilkins
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Chowder
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 2 cups)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg (varies with broth used)
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Southwestern Corn Chowder, Easy Chowder Recipe, Creamy Corn Soup, Spicy Chowder, Comfort Food